North Korea ramps up mass production of kamikaze drones
The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, has ordered the mass production of combat kamikaze drones. According to him, these devices have become an essential element of military strategy, as reported by the state North Korean news agency, KCNA.
Kim Jong Un personally oversaw "the performance test of various types of combat kamikaze drones" developed by the national institute on Thursday. He emphasized the need to "quickly establish a mass production system and begin it on a full scale," according to KCNA.
Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, are widely used in the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East, reminds the Reuters agency.
Kim Jong Un pointed out that global competition in drone development has accelerated. He noted that their production is both cheap and straightforward, and their use in combat operations is expanding.
Military officials worldwide recognize that drones achieve clear success in both large and small conflicts. This is a trend that has now emerged as a necessary military requirement, he added.
Strengthening cooperation with Russia
Earlier this year, Kim observed a test of kamikaze drones, which—given the strengthening military cooperation with Russia—raised suspicions that Moscow is assisting Pyongyang in the development of these machines. North Korea has sent soldiers to the western front of Russia, where, according to American and South Korean officials, they are fighting against Ukrainians.
In 2022, five North Korean reconnaissance drones entered South Korean airspace, with one even reaching the northern part of Seoul.
